Hey guys!
Whew what a weekend! As you know I have been working and I work in a pet shop, (we do not sell live animals, only accesories and food). I had a huge fluffy rabbit come in, the owner trying to find a harness that fit. It wasn't exactly thrilled, but I offered a peace offering of dried herbs, and we were soon pretty good friends, though its fluff flew everywhere. Literally, I am still finding it occasionally. I also had two guinea pigs, a very fluffy dog smaller than a guinea pig, and a dog larger than a pony visit. Did I mention that I love my job? Puppies everywhere. It's great!
Anyway, I digress. So, I began writing this chapter last night after work. And I woke early today, to continue, doing my darndest to finish it quickly. I do hope it is okay.
And thank you again for your reviews! I get all warm and fuzzy inside every time I read them!
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, just horsing around with the characters.
Disclaimer #2: Rated mature for strong sexual content.
A tiny reminder of the last chapter:
I pushed up from the bed, and in a flash, I was in the bathroom, making hot water spill into the tub. Flitting back to the bed, I collected her in my arms. "Come, we need a bath, before meeting any of the others," and with that I carried her out of the bedroom, into the steaming bathroom.
Aro's POV.
After the bath we got dressed in casual clothes. Well, Isabella chose a red knee length skirt and a black sweatshirt, black tights, and flats. I matched her outfit with a black suit, black shirt, black tie. I would have to get some new clothes for her one of these days. We stepped out of my rooms, and went to the library, where I was to introduce her to some of the guards. She was keen on meeting new people, as she had felt so isolated, she was nearly skipping. I was a little less keen. I had really enjoyed having her to myself so far. But now was not the time to be selfish. When we entered the library, a small hum of conversation could be heard. A few vampires were scattered around in the aisles, either pulling out a book or talking quietly to one another. I heard the quiet banter of Jane and Alec in the back and pulled Isabella in their direction.
Bella's POV.
Aro's move was unexpected, and I nearly slipped and fell on my butt as his pull dragged me off balance. He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me close to him, my nose nearly colliding with his chest. We stood still for a moment, before my eyes focused on his, and without thinking I leaned in inhaling his scent deeply. Delicious. My body reacted viscerally to his scent, blood rushed through my veins, breath caught in my throat. A sharp breath escaped me, our lips an inch apart. My fingers on his chest clenched. He chuckled slightly, his gaze revealing that he knew exactly what I had just experienced.
"The things you do for my ego is appreciated, Tesoro," He said quietly, and pulled me even closer to show me that his body had had a reaction too. I gasped softly at the feel of him against me. "But now is really not the time, trust me. I would like you to meet Jane and Alec at some point. I am fairly certain you three will get along well."
"Well, we are no Aro, but I think we will make do." A sly female voice said to my left. "We usually do," Another male voice replied just as slyly. Aro looked around, making sure I was steady enough for him to let me go. My cheeks were slightly heated. I looked out from under a slightly bowed head, as I took in the twins. They were both in long black robes, Alec holding a book at his side. Their gaze was intent, and I gulped slightly. They were making me a little nervous.
"Aaah," Aro said smiling widely. "Jane, Alec, I would like you to meet Isabella Swan. You had a chance to see her briefly at her arrival of course, but now she is officially staying with us. I would like you to treat her kindly, as she is very special to me." He finished his words with a slight pressure on the last words.
"Yes, we kind of gathered as much," Jane said dryly. I blushed a little more.
Their gaze didn't leave me as he spoke, and as he finished, they stepped closer, presenting an icy cold hand each, to greet me properly. To my shock they both kissed me on both cheeks, in a matter of Italian greeting. I felt my face heat even further.
"Hi," I said, suddenly feeling rather shy.
"Welcome Isabella, we hope that you will feel at home in Volterra," Jane said,
"We are part of the Volturi guard, and it is our job to protect you now," Alec said,
"We are sure that we will make great friends," Jane said,
"If ever you need our service, feel free to call upon us," Alec said,
"We will hear you anywhere in this castle," Jane finished slyly.
I could nearly heat the whole library with my face alone as my mind flashed back to these last days in Aro's company. They both had a wide grin on their faces. Their ping-pong banter swept between them effortlessly. Clearly, they knew exactly what the other was thinking, as only twins could do. Aro scowled slightly.
"Be nice, children, or I shall have to discipline you."
"It's fine, Aro, really." I said, in a low voice. I placed a hand on his forearm to calm him down. "It's Bella, by the way." I added to the twins.
They both raised their eyebrows in complete harmony.
"But Master said…-" Alec began,
"I know, but everyone calls me Bella. Except Aro, who seems to have all the patience in the world to pronounce my full name. You don't have to waste your time though." I said, smiling slightly. Aro had turned sharply towards me, eyebrows raised. I knew I would pay for that comment later when we were alone again. Taking a deep breath, I stepped towards the twins, with a small glance at Aro.
"So, what were you reading?" I asked politely.
An awkward pause bloomed as the twins were smirking slightly. Aro was still looking at me surprise evident on his features, I could feel his crimson eyes on me. My cheeks flushed slightly again at his intense scrutiny.
Clearing his throat Alec broke the silence showing me the book. "Well, Bella, I just picked out Great Expectations by Charles Dickens to read, though I have read it many times."
"Oh, I love Charles Dickens. He's a great writer. A true classic." I said, doing my best to make small talk. Jane had a tiny smirk on her lips, as she was still looking intently at me, almost approval in her eyes.
"Right, Alec, perhaps we should give them some privacy, and not bore them with our inane book choices." Jane said, her voice polite. Aro turned his gaze on her, his face not changing. They both bowed slightly and walked away.
Aro was staring after them, his mouth slightly open in a smirk that distracted me pretty quickly. I put a hand on his chest, and his gaze fell upon me. I stepped closer, and his chest expanded at he breathed deeply.
"As I said, you would get right along with the twins." He hesitated, placing a hand on my cheek, his thumb on my lower lip, pulling it down slightly. "They certainly seem to like you." His eyes were on my mouth as he said this. Silence rose between us, as I felt hypnotised by the way he was looking at me, almost greedily. My heart skipped a few beats, and I almost leaned into him.
"Leave us," Aro said in a deep voice. My breath caught, as I barely heard the whisper of their cloaks, as the others swept from the huge, silent room. I stood frozen in place, not knowing what he was planning to do, since he was ordering everyone out. I remembered the last time he did that, and my heart stuttered slightly. His hand was still on my cheek. He slid it down to my throat, gently curling his fingers around it. Then he slowly began walking me backwards, his eyes still on my lips. Suddenly I felt the book filled shelves behind me. I kept silent, waiting for him to speak. He said nothing, but just leaned in closely, our lips half an inch apart, his eyes looking into mine. My pulse was racing, my breathing loud and almost erratic, not from fear, just his proximity had my blood boiling. The moment stretched on, but suddenly he spoke.
"So, you do not like me calling you Isabella?" he said in a low voice.
"I never said that," I breathed.
"You just did," he said in low growl. I sighed, licking my lips. He bared his teeth at the sight, his eyes darkening.
"No, I said that it takes a long time to pronounce, and only you have the patience for it." I explained.
"But you do not really mean that." He stated, teeth still showing.
"I guess not." I sighed again. "What I really meant was that I don't have the patience for anyone else to pronounce my full name."
"And when I do it? What do you think then, Isabella?" He said my name in his Italian accent and I nearly swooned, feeling blood rush to my nether regions. I swallowed.
"I guess I like it," I said slightly breathless.
"Do you?"
"It sounds sexy. Might be why I prefer only you to say it." I said. He kept silent, still looking at my mouth. I couldn't resist, I licked my lips again, staring intently at his reaction. A soft growl escaped him, as he suddenly pressed against me, pinning me to the bookshelf, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. His tongue explored my mouth, as if he were trying to extract my soul. His hands traveling down my body, moving beneath my blouse, caressing me. I placed a hand on his chest - I needed to breathe. He released my mouth, his forehead resting against mine.
"It is hard for me, to not be able to read you," he said softly. "I suppose I will have to get used to you surprising me from time to time."
"Normal people have no trouble with it, you know," I said still slightly breathless.
His gaze was burning me. "I am not normal people," he said, his deep voice sending tremors down my spine. I shivered and snorted slightly.
"I noticed," I said softly. He gave a soft smile and kissed me deeply again. He continued for a few minutes, giving me the most thorough snogging of my life. His pelvis was pressing against me in the most delightful way, and a small whimper escaped me. My fingers were grasping at his shoulders, nails digging into his soft suit jacket. His hair was framing our faces, keeping everyone out.
His lips released mine, and he nuzzled my face.
"So needy, my dear. You realise that we have already coupled two times today? Do you really need more?"
His cold fingers roamed beneath my blouse, grazing the underside of my breasts. My back arched into his touch.
"I think we are both pretty needy," I said, rolling my hips into his to make a point. The feeling sent delicious jolts through my body. He grunted in response.
"Yes, it seems that we cannot get enough of each other, no matter how much we try."
"You certainly never were like this with me," A third female voice answered. My body started, and I looked to the left, Aro following my gaze. A stunning woman stood before us. Her porcelain features delicate, though I knew better. Her dark hair hung in waves around her shoulders, her red eyes in stark contrast to her pale face. She was wearing a magnificent red and gold dress that reached the floor.
Her eyes lingered on me for a few seconds, before they switched to Aro's, who was still pinning me against the shelves. He didn't seem too surprised at her appearance.
"Hello Sulpicia," He greeted, completely calm. His fingers caressing my skin beneath my shirt. Probably trying to calm me, as he could feel my hammering heart.
"Aro," she said softly. "I cannot remember the last time I was able to sneak up on you like this. How the mighty have fallen." A small smirk played around her mouth. Was that a joke?
I didn't know what to think of this situation. Here I was, caught snogging Aro in the library by his wife. And he had still not let me go, my hands still on his shoulders.
"Well, I rather think that is your area of expertise, Sulpicia," Aro said dryly, slowly stepping back from me, his hands falling to his sides. I hastily corrected my clothing, though it didn't really matter, compared to the overly well-dressed vampires in my company, I could wear a wedding dress and still look like I was wearing a plastic shopping bag.
Her gaze fell upon me. I felt my cheeks heating slightly. She stepped forward, extending an elegant hand towards me.
"Isabella Swan, I presume?"
Hesitantly, I took her hand in mine.
"Bella," I corrected politely.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. I am Sulpicia," Her smile was friendly.
"I am Aro's wife. But I think you already know that if I'm not mistaken."
"What are you doing here, Sulpicia?" Aro asked, his demeanour perfectly calm, though he seemed irritated at the interruption. She looked at him and sighed.
"It has been a busy day, dear husband. Edward came to me, wanting me to introduce myself to your new paramour. He seems quite convinced that she is just your new plaything."
Aro scoffed. "Of course, he did. He should know that I never have playthings." Sulpicia chuckled.
"Quite. I tried to explain this to him, but he seems to not like you much. He feels certain, that you will only harm Bella. I rather think he is projecting." She said with a tiny smirk.
"Exactly!" I blurted. "He was the one hurting me! He's always so condescending towards me and I am so-" I halted suddenly, not finishing the sentence. My words had been uttered in a fierce growl, and I actually scowled at Edward's audacity. They both turned towards me. I flushed.
"Hmm, I can certainly see why she appeals to you, Aro." Her voice suddenly a purr.
"Down Sulpicia, this one is not for you," Aro said smoothly flicking a non-existent speck of dust off his sleeve. I gulped, all of a sudden feeling like a mouse on a dinner plate.
"Oh, no worries, my dear," Aro chuckled. "Sulpicia will not harm you. I only meant that, well... Perhaps I should clarify, that Sulpicia has tendencies towards both the female and male gender. She likes you, that is all. I do not, however, share."
"Right," I said blankly, finding this situation completely improbable. Two vampires arguing over me, and it had nothing to do with me being food. Her eyes were on me appraising me.
"Always so selfish, Aro. I am sure there is plenty to go around, going by the racket you two have been making."
My face flushed deeply at her words. Was she actually hitting on me?
"I am afraid that is not true, Sulpicia. You will have to find your own." Aro said smoothly, his arm coming around my waist, almost possessively. Sulpicia actually tutted. My brain was spinning.
"I suppose I should. Well, I just wanted to let you know that young Edward is up to something. I do not know what he is planning, but I fear he will act rather impulsively. He is terribly angry. He has left Volterra for now, but I feel confident that he will return." I felt Aro stiffen at my side.
"I see," he said stiffly. "Thank you, Sulpicia, I will see to it."
Nodding slightly, she met my gaze, smiling.
"It was lovely to meet you, Bella, I am sorry for interrupting you, however, I felt it was urgent to warn you. Welcome to the Volturi, by the way." She inclined her head at me and left the library.
I gazed dumbly after her. "Wow," I said, my voice a whisper.
"Yes," Aro said. "She has that effect on people." I chuckled.
"You are not that different," I said. Aro turned to me, his eyebrows raised, slipping both his arms around my waist.
"You think so, my dear?" He said sardonically. "I fear that we are very different from each other, more than you can know." He said musingly staring into space.
"What did she mean, that she could see why I appeal to you?" I asked.
"She knows that my ability to read people by touch, always gives me the power in any given situation. This makes it hard to connect sometimes. The fact that I cannot read you… You, being my mate, and you being so ferocious, so incontrollable. You are a lioness, that I cannot tame." He spoke eloquently, a small smile on his lips. I scoffed slightly.
"You do not like this?" He asked softly, placing his fingers on my chin, almost as if he was testing his ability again.
"No, I just…" I hesitated, grasping at the new realisation that had just occurred to me.
"Edward used to refer to himself as the lion. He would call me the lamb." It was Aro's turn to scoff.
"Of course, he did. He would naturally fail to see the strength in you, or perhaps even fear it, which might explain why he was so adamant against you becoming a vampire." Silence stretched between us, as we both pondered this. I never even thought of it like that.
"What are we going to do about Edward?" I asked softly. "Are you going to kill him?"
He sighed deeply, his fingers caressing the small of my back soothingly. "No, I will not kill him. Carlisle would never forgive me. I do think he needs to learn his place, though. I will have to find him eventually, and there will be consequences for his appalling behaviour." There was a slight edge to his voice. I nodded slightly.
"This relationship between you and Carlisle, it seems special," I commented. Aro nodded.
"It is. Carlisle has been my only friend for a long time. He used to live with us, and he trusted me, even though my ability usually has the opposite effect on most in my company. He allowed me access to his mind without a second thought. Not because he was devoted to me. No, his thoughts clearly showed his disagreement on lots of matters. He respected me enough to not fear contradicting me. We have had many a conversation about almost everything.
He is incredibly modern, and I am not. He is like yin to my yang. We complement each other in many aspects. Now I never even read his mind because I know he will be honest with me regardless. You should have seen him when I explained the connection between you and me. He is very protective of you." Aro smiled fondly, seemingly pleased that I had someone like Carlisle to protect me.
"He is?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes, he referred to himself as your father to be, once you are turned." Aro replied.
"Wow, really? I had no idea." I said, fiddling at a button on Aro's chest. Aro chuckled slightly.
"Come, my dear, it is getting late. We should get you to bed," and with that he dragged me out of the library into the never-ending corridors of the castle.
Bella's POV
The next day passed in a hazy blur. Aro introduced me to more of the guards, not leaving my side once. They all greeted me respectfully and made polite chit chat. I tried to memorize their names. Chelsea, Demetri, Corin, Renata, and Seleucia. Why do the names have to be so complicated? I would never remember them!
Aro then took me out into the garden, which was huge and well kept. Not a sprig was out of place. He surprised me with a gathering of the Cullen's, all pleased to see me, hugging me in delight. Edward wasn't there of course. His absence casting a slight shadow on our chatter, but everyone tried valiantly to not make me feel guilty. Aro excused himself to go tend to some matters, and left me feeling empty, though I knew he felt the same. Esme did her best to distract me, understanding my longing.
"I suppose we should feel flattered that Aro dares leave you in our tender care," Carlisle said, his trademark smile in place. We spent a few hours in the garden, eventually I had a great time, enjoying their company immensely. Jane and Alec showed up, bringing food for the only human, actually taking part in the banter going around. Their sardonic quips never failed to complement each other, effortlessly making everyone feel welcome, despite their sly smirks.
After I ate, they made it clear that it was time for me to get back inside. I excused myself and followed them, backtracking through the garden. I felt tired, but also elated. It had been a great day. We were walking through the corridors, when Aro intercepted us.
"Thank you, Jane, Alec. I will take it from here." He said softly, his crimson gaze intently on me. I shivered slightly, and Jane glanced at me, smirking slightly. They both were gone in a split second, leaving me alone with the Volturi King.
"Did you have a lovely day, my dear?" He asked smoothly, slowly walking closer, glancing over his shoulder to check that the twins really were gone.
My mouth was suddenly dry, as my body suddenly reminded me of how I had missed him. His head snapped around to me, apparently sensing my reaction. I nodded, gulping slightly.
"Yes, it was great. Thank you." I said, rather hoarse.
He walked over to me, wrapping his arms around my waist. He nuzzled my neck, growling contentedly. Suddenly I was pinned against the wall. He pushed against me, placing soft kisses on my neck.
"Did you miss me?" He asked in his deep voice. He already knew the answer.
"No," I said. Not true of course. My body was purring now that he was finally touching me again.
"Hmmm, I may not be able to read your mind, my dear, but I can still read your body."
"Oh?" I said innocently. "What does my body tell you?" I asked, heart pounding in my chest. He licked the whole side of my throat, feeling my pulse, growling softly.
"Oh, I certainly think you are lying," He said smoothly, his low voice sending tremors down my spine, making me shiver. He had that open-mouthed smirk again as he looked at me. Then he kissed me, our lips crashing together. I moaned at the contact, feeling like it had been weeks since I felt his lips on mine. He placed a hand on my neck, pulling my face close to his, as his hips ground into me, making me see stars. He kissed me expertly, making me tremble with need for him in seconds. His hands were suddenly at my hips, traveling down to the hem of my skirt. I suddenly felt incredibly grateful for choosing a skirt today. He pulled it up, making it bunch around my hips, and lifted my legs up, to wrap around his hips.
"I missed you too," he said against my lips, gulping slightly, as he seemed to gather himself.
"I had no idea," I said, trying to catch my breath. He chuckled.
"Cheeky minx. I think the twins are rubbing off on you," He said in a growling voice. "My insolent lioness." He said, as he assaulted my lips again. His kisses were frenzied, almost desperate. I could feel where this was going, and I wasn't sure I wanted to do this in the hallway, where anyone could stumble upon us.
"Aro, shouldn't we move this to a more private venue?" I asked, finally wrenching my mouth free from his.
"Perhaps." He said, growling as he caressed my body, making me writhe in expectation.
"Though, I believe you need a little reminder to not test me, my dear." He said, a slight growl to his words. My heart jolted. What did he mean by that?
"You mean, here? Can't we compromise?" I asked with a slight desperate note in my voice. He chuckled deeply.
"I suppose we could," he said. Suddenly I found myself in a hidden-away candlelit alcove I hadn't noticed earlier.
He stood before me, and began slowly taking off his black tie, his fiery gaze piercing me. I gulped. Then he took my wrists and placed them above my head, binding them with his tie, fastening them to something cold and hard. I looked up. My hands were tied to a candle bracket, one of those old-fashioned ones, that were made from cast iron. Sturdy thing. I hung from it; my feet barely able to touch the floor. I looked down again, catching his eye, my heart hammering in my chest. I gulped. He smirked again, teeth bared, as he looked me over. Apparently, the sight pleased him.
"It is my turn for control, I think," he said smoothly. Then he was on me, hands caressing me, his lips on my neck, teeth scraping my skin slightly, his body pressing in between my dangling legs. My whole body erupted in goose bumps, and I could feel my nipples pebble almost painfully. My scalp tingled, and I moaned instantly as his words registered.
"I suggest you keep silent, amore," He said complacently, as he continued to play my body like a familiar tune. Smug bastard. My chest was heaving. He lifted my blouse up, revealing my bra. His mouth descended upon the material barring his access. He nipped at it. Then he was between my breast, and I could feel his teeth working. A small snick and my bra fell open. He stepped back, taking in my appearance. His gaze was upon my breasts. My nipples stood at attention.
"Are you cold?" He asked. I shook my head dumbly. "I see," He said. Then his lips captured one breast and the tug sent a jolt to my centre, making my hips buck. A hand suddenly cupped my sex, and I couldn't help but whimper at the contact, my hips jerking sharply.
"Careful," he growled against my flesh. I barely heard him; my body had taken control. Or rather he had taken control of it, possessing it completely. He held me up, as his fingers caressed me gently through the thin fabric covering me. I bit my lip to keep in any sounds. My eyes were squeezed tightly shut my forehead resting against his shoulder as he expertly worked his magic on me. Suddenly he pulled the fabric aside, pressing a finger into me, then another, thrusting them lightly, the heel of his palm flush against my clit, making my insides clench almost painfully. "Ah!" My mouth had released the sound as I almost bit down on his shoulder, breathing loud and fast at the feelings he was producing within me.
"Sssh," he hushed me soothingly, his mouth at my ear, as he kept up his ministrations inside me, making me buck against him, desperate for more.
"Relax, it will come soon, tesoro. Remember you are at my mercy, and I am a very merciful master." he said softly into my ear, his voice doing nothing to sooth me. Then his lips captured my earlobe, sucking it gently, breathing into my ear at the same time. The feeling fizzled to my core, my hips jerked sharply, and I suddenly felt myself explode around his intruding fingers, as I writhed in his grasp, doing my best to keep silent, as the waves rolled over me.
"Well done, what did I tell you?" he crooned in a low voice, and suddenly I felt his manhood at my entrance. He shifted his hips and suddenly he was seated snugly within me, my legs wrapped around his hips, the stretchy feeling nearly making me orgasm again. He rolled his hips slowly once, his pelvis flush against my clit, mashing it, and that was all it took. I came apart again, a sharp whimper escaping me, as I shuddered violently against him. He pinned me to the wall with no effort, as I nearly blacked out.
He had been keeping still all through my orgasm, but as it subsided, he began thrusting, his hands holding me up, his lips half an inch from mine. His teeth were bared as he took me against the wall, me helpless to do anything, but feel him inside me, my spine tingling fiercely. He thrust deep and fast, as he seemed just as desperate as I was. Our bodies thrummed as they neared their mutual release. He lifted a hand up to release my hands, and they came down around his neck, still bound together, holding on for dear life. He looked into my eyes, gently searching my soul, then he was kissing me passionately, breathing fast as he had his way with me, my gasps disappearing into his mouth.
Sensing my need for oxygen, he began kissing and nibbling at my throat, groaning at the feel of me, our bodies making slight slapping sounds as our movements became frantic. Suddenly he slowed down considerable, making sure to thrust deep so my clit was stimulated almost too perfectly by his rolling pelvis. My brows furrowed, and I felt his mouth on mine again, as he growled against me, his slow moves coaxing another release from me with almost bizarre ease, this time a cry escaped me, but it was muffled as he captured it in his mouth. He kept kissing me as he sped up again, now seeking his own release, his hands at my butt, pulling me against him with every thrust, hard and fast, a deep grunt escaping him with every thrust. His sounds made me wild with need, and I could feel my insides clench sharply around him again as he made me come again, and he groaned at the feeling, as he too came apart. His hips pumped a few more times, him breathing deeply against my mouth. Then we were still. I tried to catch my breath; my eyes still closed.
I don't know how long we stood like this. I squirmed a little, as I felt the lack of circulation to my toes. He pulled out from me, and gently let me down, holding me up, as I tried to steady myself. Breathing deeply, I shook my head slightly. He gently untied my hands.
"I think I need to test your patience more often," I said almost laughing. "I think I like the way you try to discipline me." I said, completely dazed, at how easy he could make me see stars. He chuckled, his chest rumbling against me. He kissed me lightly, before stepping back, righting his clothes, me doing the same.
Finally feeling presentable, we began walking back to his rooms. Luckily we met no-one. After a while we were settled in the sofa, me resting against his cold chest, each reading our own books, the fire in the hearth, softly crackling. I could certainly get used to this.
"Sometimes I worry that I may be too normal, but then I remember that I just had crazy, wild sex with a handsome vampire king in an alcove in a castle," I said softly, turning a page in my book. Aro's chest rumbled behind me, as his chuckle shook through him.
"Nothing to worry about, my dear." He said, his fingers ghosting my neck. "You are exceptionally not normal." He too turned a page in his book.
Okay, peeps, so this chapter is now done! So sorry for the wait on this! If there are any mistakes, I apologise - It got whipped out pretty fast.
Sooo, what do you think? I would love to know your thoughts!
-Pancakes